June 10, 2009

Neighbor: Pole dancing studio ‘immoral’

A pole dancing studio in Lake Orion, Mich., has neighbors concerned the establishment could have a negative moral impact on the town.

Elona Gano, proprietor of the Wonder Woman Pole Studio in Orion Township, said many people have misconceptions about her business, which opened May 25, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

Gano said that while some of the moves she teaches are sensual, the women are dressed during the classes and the aim of the workouts is to gain strength and self-confidence, not to train strippers.

I know some people aren't sure what I'm doing here, said Gano, who previously taught pole dancing for about 18 months at a Ferndale, Mich., studio. She noted that pole dancing fitness has been on 'Oprah.'

However, Lake Orion resident Michelle Phifer, 38, said she does not want families driving past the studio to be subject to sights inappropriate for children.

It's immoral, Phifer said of the studio.

Township Clerk Penny Shults said officials are monitoring the studio to make sure all rules are followed and the students remain dressed.